Old hard drive platters may seem like useless junk, but they can actually be repurposed in some fun and creative ways. Hard drive platters are the circular discs inside hard drives that store all the data. Once a hard drive stops working, the platters are no longer useful for storing data, but their unique features like shape, size, and material make them ideal for DIY projects.
Can I reuse old hard drive platters?
Yes, old platters can definitely be reused for crafts, decor, and practical uses around the home. The platter’s smooth aluminum or glass surface makes an interesting texture and reflective surface for decor. Their size and circular shape also lend well to clock faces, coasters, wall art, wind chimes, bird feeders, Lazy Susans, and more.
Are hard drive platters safe to handle?
Hard drive platters are generally safe to handle with basic precautions. Make sure to handle them carefully by the edges and avoid touching the surfaces. The thin aluminum or glass surfaces can have sharp edges. Wearing gloves and eye protection is recommended when breaking down a hard drive. The platters may also have some residual oil or lubricant, so wash hands after handling. As long as you are careful, repurposing hard drive platters into DIY projects can be done safely.
What tools do I need to open a hard drive?
To safely open a hard drive and extract the platters, you will need a few basic tools:
- Safety goggles
- Work gloves
- Small philips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers
- Hammer
- Dremel or rotary tool (optional)
Go slowly when taking apart a hard drive and follow proper safety precautions. Make sure to discharge any static electricity beforehand as well.
How do I remove platters from a hard drive?
Here are the basic steps for removing platters from a hard drive:
- Unplug the hard drive and discharge any static electricity.
- Carefully open the hard drive case, usually by removing 4-6 philips screws on the bottom or sides.
- Slowly separate the two halves of the case, watching for hidden screws or fasteners.
- Locate where the platters are stacked on the spindle.
- Remove any screws securing the platters in place.
- Carefully slide each platter off the spindle one by one.
- Use pliers to cut or unbend any small metal pins or tabs securing the platters.
- Separate each platter fully from the hard drive.
Go slowly, wear gloves, and be mindful of sharp edges when handling the bare platters.
How do I cut or modify hard drive platters?
To cut or alter hard drive platters for craft projects, you can use various power tools:
- Jigsaw – For straight cuts or irregular shapes.
- Circular saw – For straight cuts across whole platters.
- Table saw – For precise, straight edge cuts.
- Dremel tool – For detail work, small holes, or notches.
- Drill – For holes for hanging, mounting, or designs.
- Diamond blade – May be needed for glass platters.
Work slowly, use eye and hand protection, and a dust mask. Let the tool do the work to avoid cracking the platter. Clean edges thoroughly after cutting. Practice first on broken platters if needed.
What are some ways to repurpose hard drive platters?
Here are some creative ways to repurpose those old hard drive platters gathering dust:
Wall Decor
- Mount whole or cut platters as modern art.
- Create platter wall clocks or calendars.
- Line pieces on the wall in geometric patterns.
- Hang small platters from strings as sun catchers.
Jewelry
- Use pieces as pendants for necklaces or earrings.
- Incorporate small platter fragments into rings or bracelets.
- Glue tiny chips onto barrettes and hair clips.
- Create platter brooches or cufflinks.
Home Decor
- Make platters into mirrors by spray painting the reflective side.
- Craft platter throw pillows or fabric wall hangings.
- Upcycle platters into Lazy Susans for tables.
- Stack cut pieces to form vases, candy dishes, or canisters.
Outdoor & Garden
- Paint or decorate platters as bird baths or feeders.
- Use platter pieces to edge garden beds or pathways.
- Create abstract platter sculptures or stepping stones.
- Hang as outdoor wind chimes.
Workshop & Garage
- Use platters as bases for sorting hardware like nuts and bolts.
- Stack or rack whole platters to organize supplies.
- Mount platters on walls or workbenches to hold tools.
- Craft platter organizer trays, pencil cups, or magnet boards.
With a little imagination and effort, those tired old hard drive platters can be given new life!
What kinds of paint or finish should I use?
The best paint or finish to use depends on the material of your platter:
- Aluminum platters – Use spray paints formulated for metal. Prime first for best adhesion.
- Glass platters – Acrylic craft paints work well. Use primer and finish with sealant.
- High temperature paints – For platters used as cooking surfaces or exposed to heat.
- Hammered metal finishes – To add texture and dimension to aluminum platters.
- Clear coats – To protect painted platters while showing the metal surface.
Test compatibility and adhesion on a small, hidden area first. Clean platters thoroughly before painting or finishing for best results.
Are there ways to upcycle platters without cutting them?
Yes, there are many creative ways to repurpose hard drive platters without damaging or cutting into them:
- Use intact platters as mirror surfaces – just spray paint the reflective side.
- Stack platters as they are to form vases, organizers, or sculptures.
- Paint or decoupage platters for wall art or decor.
- Attach loops to make platter clocks or calendars.
- Adhere strong magnets to make magnetic boards.
- Glue felt or cork to platers as coasters.
- Screw platters together into circles as Lazy Susans.
Depending on the project, many platters can be repurposed without needing to cut them at all. Get creative with layering, 3D stacking, painting, and decorative finishing techniques.
What kinds of abrasives can I use to polish platters?
Hard drive platters can be sanded and polished to remove scratches or create interesting finishes. Here are some abrasives that work well:
- Fine grit sandpaper – Use 400 grit and up to smooth and prep surfaces.
- Steel wool – Grade 0000 for final polishing.
- Polishing compounds – Such as Brasso, PlastX, or metal polishing creams.
- Buffing wheels – Mounted on a drill or rotary tool to buff platters to a mirror shine.
- Jewelers rouge – Used with buffing wheels on softer aluminum platters.
Work through progressively finer abrasives for best results. Clean platters thoroughly first and work slowly to avoid overheating. Follow safety precautions when buffing and polishing.
What are some ways to display my repurposed platters?
Here are some creative ways to proudly display your repurposed hard drive platter art and projects:
- Mount platters on walls with cleat hangers, Command strips, or plate hangers.
- Display platter clocks, jewelry, or sculptures on shelves.
- Create a platter mosaic or collage using fragments in picture frames.
- Make platter coasters or placemats for tables.
- Use strong magnets to hold platters and fragments on fridges or metal boards.
- Show off ornate platter vases or canisters.
- Group painted platters together propped on easels or stands.
- Illuminate wall platters with mounted track lighting.
Take advantage of the platters’ sleek modern look by showing off their color, shine, shape and texture. Add lighting effects to make them pop.
Are there ways to incorporate platters into furniture?
Yes, hard drive platters can be integrated into cool custom furniture pieces like:
- Tabletops – Adhere platters to tabletops in geometric patterns for a modern look.
- Drawers – Use as drawer fronts or line the inside of drawers.
- Shelving – Adhere pieces to shelves or stack platters as shelf dividers.
- Cabinets – Cover cabinet doors with overlapping platter pieces.
- Beds – Attach platters as decorative headboards.
- Lighting – Craft platter lampshades or pendant lights.
Make sure platters are properly prepared, sealed, and attached when incorporating them into furniture. Consider strength, weight, and safety based on the application.
What are some ways to make platter jewelry?
Old hard drive platters can be transformed into modern jewelry pieces like:
- Pendants – Cut small shapes from platters and add keyhole fittings.
- Necklaces – Link cut platter pieces using jump rings.
- Bracelets – Use flattened plaques or small fragments adhered to cuff style bracelets.
- Rings – Cut donut shaped pieces to size or use thin strips wrapped around.
- Earrings – Create dangling shapes or small studs.
- Tie tacks – Affix small personalized cut pieces to tie bar backings.
Carefully sand and polish any platter pieces used for jewelry. Clear coat and seal edges to prevent sharpness and tarnishing. Have fun mixing platter pieces with gems, found objects, and chain.
What are some ways to make wall art from platters?
Some ideas for eye-catching wall art using hard drive platters include:
- Create abstract geometric collages from platter fragments.
- Arrange circular platters into 3D sculptural wall pieces.
- Use platters as bases for mixed media shadow boxes.
- Paint designs, patterns, or landscapes onto intact platters.
- Adhere tiny mirrored pieces to create shimmering mosaics.
- Stencil or decoupage meaningful words and images onto platters.
- Incorporate platters into large scale sculptural wall installations.
- Backlight or illuminate platters arranged in interesting patterns.
Finish platter wall art with protective sealants. Display using cleat hangers, Command strips, or hooks. Group pieces together for bold impact or sprinkle them throughout a room.
Can I use platters for food serving or cooking?
While the shape and shiny surface of old hard drive platters may seem perfect for serving food, it’s not recommended to repurpose them for direct food contact unless properly treated. The aluminum surface and potential for sharp edges or residue would need thorough cleaning and preparation to be food safe. Using high temperature paint, thorough sealing, rounding sharp edges, and caution with cleaning would be essential.
For non-direct food contact, platters can make interesting bases for serving trays, risers, or cake stands. Ensure no sharp edges come in contact with food. With care, platters can have many creative uses related to food without directly touching it.
Conclusion
Don’t throw out those tired old computer hard drives just yet! Hidden within are unique raw materials in the form of shiny circular platters. While no longer useful for digital data storage, these platters can have new life when repurposed into DIY crafts, art, jewelry, home decor, and more with just a little imagination and effort. By following some basic safety precautions, you can transform technological trash into hand-made treasure.